Predictive crack growth models for pipeline integrity and risk management - Circumferential cracking management

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This project is sponsored by members of Canadian Energy Pipeline Association (CEPA) and performed in partnership with C-FER Technologies and the University of Alberta. The project is aimed to evaluate various aspects of circumferential stress corrosion cracking (C-SCC) in near-neutral pH (NNpH) ground water environments. The CEPA C-SCC Project was started because various CEPA member companies identified deficiencies in their Integrity Management Programs to the circumferential crack threat. CEPA has divided the C-SCC project into two phases. Phase 1 of this project was completed at the end of 2018, which was intended to research and organize industry knowledge to identify gaps and outline the overall project plan for development of a C-SCC management recommended practice. One well known industry knowledge gap is the measurable conditions required for the initiation and prorogation of C-SCC. Phase 2 of the C-SCC project is initiated to address the knowledge gap. The project will be performed by one postdoctoral fellow and 2 PhD graduate students for a period of 3 years. Canada has an extensive network of 840,000 kilometres of pipelines carrying crude oil to domestic and U.S. refineries. CEPA represents Canada's transmission pipeline companies who operate approximately 119,000 kilometers of pipeline in Canada and 14,000 kilometers in the United States. CEPA members move approximately 1.2 billion barrels of liquid petroleum products and 5.4 trillion cubic feet of natural gas each year. In fact, 97 per cent of Canada's daily crude oil and natural gas is moved from producing regions to markets throughout North America by CEPA members. Pipelines are a safe, reliable and environmentally friendly way of transporting oil and gas. Spills, leaks and ruptures are rare, representing a tiny percentage of what is flowing through the pipelines. It is expected that outcome of this project will further improve safety and reliability of pipeline operation of CEPA's member companies.